What is Neuropsychology?
Neuropsychology is a specialty of clinical psychology that is concerned with how the brain and central nervous system influence a person’s cognitive functioning and behaviors.
What is a Neuropsychologist?
A neuropsychologist is a doctoral-level clinical psychologist who specializes in understanding and assessing brain and behavior relationships. Clinical neuropsychologists specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals across a lifespan who suffer from neurological, medical, developmental and psychiatric conditions. This is done through a variety of assessment techniques to better understand an individual’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses. The clinical neuropsychologist uses this information along with information provided from family members and other healthcare providers to identify possible disorders and provide intervention strategies.
What happens during a neuropsychological evaluation?
Neuropsychological evaluations typically begin with a clinical interview to obtain a detailed history of your background information as well as to discuss any current cognitive, emotional, and functional concerns. History is also obtained through a review of any available relevant records. Family members or other knowledgeable persons may also be interviewed with your consent. Following the discussion of your history, the neuropsychologist will work one-on-one with you to complete a wide range of tests assessing different aspects of your thinking. The tests are largely paper-and-pencil, though some may also be completed on a computer.
Following the evaluation, the neuropsychologist will write a comprehensive report summarizing the results of the evaluation. The report typically includes information regarding diagnoses (if applicable) and recommendations for the future. A separate appointment is offered to discuss the results of the evaluation and allow you to have your questions answered directly.
How do I prepare for my evaluation?
- Try to get adequate sleep the night prior to the evaluation
- Be sure to take all prescription medications as prescribed
- Eat a proper breakfast the morning of the appointment
- If you wear hearing aids or glasses, please make sure to bring them with you to your appointment
- Please bring all relevant medical records to the appointment, including your intake form
- Refrain from drinking alcohol or using any illicit substances at least 24 hours prior to the start of your evaluation
What and who do I bring with me to my appointment?
- Please bring your completed Intake Form with you to your appointment.
- Please bring all relevant medical records to the appointment.
- Please bring a family member or friend with you to the appointment. With your permission, they will join you for the first hour of the evaluation (the clinical interview portion), following which they will be free to leave if they would like. Telephone interviews can be conducted if it is difficult for them to accompany you in-person.
- Be sure to bring reading glasses or hearing aids if needed.
- As the evaluation, may take several hours please feel free to bring snacks and drinks with you.
How long will my evaluation last?
Appointment times range depending of the referral question and the type of assessment being performed. While most evaluations can be completed in one sitting, multiple testing sessions may be scheduled if needed. Testing can range from as little as 2 hours to as long as 6 to 8 hours. You will be provided with breaks as needed.
Do you take insurance?
I am currently a contracted provider with Medicare, United Healthcare, Optum, and Aetna. If you have PPO insurance, you may be eligible to receive partial or full reimbursement for a neuropsychological evaluation. Although MK Neuropsychology Services cannot be responsible for collecting payment from your insurance company directly, I can provide you with the necessary information to submit to your insurance company to facilitate the reimbursement process.
How much does an evaluation cost?
Evaluation costs vary depending on the type of evaluation requested. Neuropsychological evaluation reports are billed based on total time spent in face-to-face testing, scoring, interpreting, analyzing, and report writing. Please contact me for more information on fees.
Please note that per my standard policy, the rate for two hours of the evaluation will be due via cash, check (made out to MK Neuropsychology Services, PC), or credit care at the start of the evaluation. The remaining fee will be due at time of feedback when you receive a completed comprehensive report.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel, please do so at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. Cancellations within the 24-hour period will be charged a no-show fee equal to one hour of the hourly rate. This fee will not be covered by your insurance company.